Aarcflick

The tricky part about a docuseries like “Hollywood Black,” particularly if you have a deep knowledge of your chosen topic, is realizing that it will probably never be as comprehensive as you’d like. After all, the four-part series directed by Justin Simien (“Dear White People”), adapted from the book of the same name by film historian Donald Bogle, is set to premiere on MGM+, which isn’t really a historically-minded network or streaming platform like TCM or the Criterion Channel. Recalibrating one’s expectations, in that sense, is crucial. And yet, a docuseries can’t be judged on intent alone. Simien assembles an impressive roster of talking heads — scholars, stars, directors and producers — to talk about Hollywood history from a Black perspective. His thesis is solid — Black people are imperative to Hollywood’s existence — and the joy he injects into the subject is pure. But there never seems to be enough substance to match his enthusiasm. The short length of “Hollywood Black” often b...